Studying in South Africa is expensive, and a bursary can change everything, covering your tuition, and sometimes accommodation, books and a monthly living allowance too. Many bursaries also come with a job at the end. But competition is fierce, and every year strong candidates miss out for reasons that have nothing to do with their marks: they applied late, left out a document, or sent a generic motivation letter. This guide shows you how to do it properly, from start to finish.
What is a bursary?
A bursary is financial support for your studies that you usually don't pay back: unlike a student loan. In return, many bursaries expect you to work for the sponsor for a set period after you graduate (often one year for each year they funded you). This "work-back" arrangement is common with company and government bursaries, and it's a good thing: it means a guaranteed job when you finish, at a time when many graduates struggle to find one.
Bursary, loan, or NSFAS: what's the difference?
- Bursary: Funding you don't repay, usually from a company, department or foundation, often merit-based and often with a work-back.
- Student loan: Money you borrow and must repay with interest.
- NSFAS: Government funding for students from households below an income threshold (check the current figure on the NSFAS website). It covers approved public universities and TVET colleges and doesn't need to be repaid if you meet the conditions.
You can pursue more than one. Many students apply for NSFAS and several bursaries at the same time to maximise their chances.
Who offers bursaries?
- Large companies in mining, engineering, finance, IT, energy, accounting and more, usually targeting scarce skills they want to hire.
- Government departments and state-owned entities across many fields.
- Sector programmes such as Funza Lushaka for prospective teachers.
- Universities and TVET colleges: their own merit and need-based bursaries.
- Foundations and NGOs, often focused on specific communities, fields or groups.
Full-cost vs partial bursaries
Not all bursaries are equal. A full-cost (comprehensive) bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a living allowance. A partial bursary covers only part, maybe tuition only. Read the offer carefully so you know what you still need to fund yourself, and don't turn down a partial bursary just because it isn't everything: several partials can add up to a full ride.
What you'll usually need
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your latest academic results (matric certificate or university transcript)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at an institution
- A motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
- Proof of household income (for need-based bursaries)
- Sometimes a CV and contactable references
When to apply
Bursary seasons for the following academic year often peak between March and September, but each sponsor sets its own dates and some open much earlier. Treat the deadline as the single most important detail on the advert: a perfect application submitted a day late is simply thrown away. Diarise every closing date the moment you find it.
How to write a motivational letter that wins
This is where you actually stand out, because everyone shortlisted has decent marks. Selection committees read hundreds of letters and can spot a copy-paste one instantly. A strong letter answers four questions clearly:
- Why this field? What genuinely draws you to it, a specific experience, not a cliché.
- Why this sponsor? Show you know what they do and why you fit them.
- What have you overcome? Be honest about your circumstances and what you've achieved despite them.
- What will you contribute? During your studies, during the work-back, and beyond.
Keep it to one page, write in your own voice, and check every name and detail. One personal, specific letter beats ten generic ones.
How to give yourself the best chance
1. Apply early and apply widely
Don't put all your hope in one bursary. Apply for several that match your field. More quality applications means more chances.
2. Match your field to the sponsor
A mining company funds engineering and geology; a bank funds finance and IT. Apply where your studies match what the sponsor needs. Your odds are far higher.
3. Follow the instructions exactly
If they ask for certified copies, certify them. If they want everything in one PDF, do exactly that. Missing or wrong documents are the most common reason good applications are rejected.
4. Keep your marks up
Most bursaries require you to maintain a certain academic standard to keep the funding each year. Treat good results as part of your side of the deal.
After you apply
Keep a simple list of what you applied for and each closing date. Some bursaries shortlist and interview, so be ready to explain your goals in person or online. Follow up politely if a stated feedback date passes, and if one application doesn't succeed, ask what you could improve for next time.
Questions people ask
Do you pay a bursary back?
Generally no. A bursary is not a loan. Many bursaries do, however, expect you to work for the sponsor for a set period after you graduate, often one year for each year they funded you. That work-back is not a repayment; it usually means a guaranteed job.
What is the difference between a bursary and NSFAS?
NSFAS is government funding for students from lower-income households and does not need to be repaid if you meet the conditions. A bursary is usually offered by a company, department or foundation, is often merit-based, and frequently comes with a work-back agreement. You can research both.
When should I apply for bursaries?
Many bursaries for the following academic year open between roughly March and September, but every sponsor sets its own dates. Prepare your documents early and check often, because windows can be short.
Do bursaries charge an application fee?
No. A legitimate bursary never asks you to pay to apply or to 'secure' funding. Anyone asking for money is running a scam.
This guide is written by OnboardingSA to help South African job seekers. Rules and forms change, so always follow the official advert and the employer's own instructions. Browse current jobs →